If you’re looking for a ridiculously easy and utterly delicious treat, these 3 Ingredient Cool Whip Cookies are about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. With just a simple cake mix, fluffy Cool Whip, and an egg, you get wonderfully soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that taste like a cozy hug. They require almost no effort but yield maximum joy, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute cravings. Trust me, once you try these 3 Ingredient Cool Whip Cookies, you’ll wonder where they’ve been all your life!

3 Ingredient Cool Whip Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These three ingredients are the magic behind the softness and fantastic flavor of the 3 Ingredient Cool Whip Cookies. Each one plays a key role: the cake mix provides sweetness and structure, the Cool Whip adds lightness and moisture, and the egg binds everything together for the perfect cookie texture.

1 box cake mix (15.25 oz): Use your favorite flavor to customize your cookies; chocolate, vanilla, or red velvet all work beautifully.
1 container whipped topping (8 oz, such as Cool Whip): This is the secret ingredient that keeps these cookies super soft and tender without adding heaviness.
1 large egg: Acts as a binder to hold the ingredients together while baking.
Powdered sugar (optional): A nice touch for rolling the dough balls, giving your cookies a pretty, snowy finish and a slight extra sweetness.

How to Make 3 Ingredient Cool Whip Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Begin by heating your oven to 350°F, which is just the right temperature to gently bake these soft cookies without drying them out. While the oven warms up, lightly grease a large cookie sheet with non-stick spray to ensure your cookies slide off easily after baking.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and add the entire box of cake mix, the whipped topping, and the egg. This trio will transform into a dough that’s soft and easy to work with once mixed. Use a hand mixer or sturdy spoon to blend everything until it forms a homogeneous dough with no streaks of dry mix left.

Step 3: Form and Coat the Cookies

Using a medium cookie scoop or a tablespoon, portion out the dough into bite-sized balls. Then, roll each dough ball generously in powdered sugar to give your cookies that signature crackly, snow-dusted look. This step is optional but highly recommended for both appearance and a pleasant sugary bite.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the sugar-coated balls evenly spaced on your prepared cookie sheet, leaving room for slight spreading. Pop them into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The cookies are ready when their edges are set but still look soft in the middle—remember, they’ll firm up as they cool, maintaining that tender texture we love.

How to Serve 3 Ingredient Cool Whip Cookies

Garnishes

These cookies are fantastic on their own, but topping them with a sprinkle of colored sugar or mini chocolate chips before baking can add fun pops of texture and color. After baking, a light drizzle of melted chocolate or a dusting of cinnamon sugar can elevate these simple cookies into something extra special.

Side Dishes

Pair your 3 Ingredient Cool Whip Cookies with a glass of cold milk or a cup of fresh-brewed coffee for a classic combo. For something extra indulgent, serve alongside homemade ice cream or fresh berries to add contrast and freshness to the soft cookie base.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests? Stack the cookies into a playful tower on a decorative plate, or arrange them around a bowl of whipped cream or fruit dip. You can even sandwich them with a swipe of jam or frosting for a mini treat that looks fancy but is oh-so-easy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (though that might be tough), store the 3 Ingredient Cool Whip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and fresh for up to three days, perfect for quick snacks or spontaneous dessert cravings.

Freezing

Want to make these cookies in advance? Freeze the cookie dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then transfer them into a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them into the oven a few minutes longer than usual without thawing first.

Reheating

If your cookies lose a bit of their softness after storing, a quick zap in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds will bring their tender texture right back to life. Be careful not to overheat, or they might become too soft!

FAQs

Can I use any cake mix flavor for 3 Ingredient Cool Whip Cookies?

Absolutely! One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility—you can use chocolate, vanilla, red velvet, or even seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice to make your cookies uniquely yours.

Is Cool Whip necessary, or can I use another whipped topping?

While Cool Whip is the classic choice, most non-dairy whipped toppings work just as well to keep the cookies soft and moist. Just make sure it’s a similar texture to maintain the recipe’s balance.

Do these cookies spread much during baking?

They spread just a little, which is perfect for soft, fluffy cookies. Be sure to space them adequately on the baking sheet to prevent sticking together as they expand slightly.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?

Definitely! Folding in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even sprinkles can add delightful textures and flavors without changing the simple preparation too much.

How long do the 3 Ingredient Cool Whip Cookies stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh and soft for about three days. After that, they may start to dry out.

Final Thoughts

These 3 Ingredient Cool Whip Cookies are one of those rare gems that combine ease, flavor, and that comforting homemade feel all in one bite. If you love quick recipes that don’t sacrifice taste or texture, this one is a no-brainer. Give them a try and watch how fast they disappear—you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again!